Blue Tit Nest (1 Viewer)

[ThomasW]

It's now day 7 of her egg laying. Each day, around 6 am, activity begins and as soon as an egg is laid she covers it with material in the nest. Then a short time later she returns with more material to further bury the eggs.

At first I wondered why she dug such a deep pit in the centre of the nest, almost down to the floor, but I guess it's to accommodate a number of eggs. I also wondered, as they lay an egg a day, why by the time the last one is laid are the earlier ones not stone cold. Having seen how she buries each one in turn I can see that the nest is keeping them warm to some degree. She's almost upside down packing material around her eggs!

Fascinating to watch.

 

[ThomasW]

It seems 8 is her total. She's only leaving the nest briefly today and once back buries herself almost completely.

 

[King Edward]

I also wondered, as they lay an egg a day, why by the time the last one is laid are the earlier ones not stone cold.

The eggs don't need to be kept warm until she starts incubating once the clutch is complete. That way they all hatch together. Some species (e.g. birds of prey) incubate from the start so the older eggs hatch first.

 

[ThomasW]

The eggs don't need to be kept warm until she starts incubating once the clutch is complete. That way they all hatch together. Some species (e.g. birds of prey) incubate from the start so the older eggs hatch first.

Ah, I see. Thanks.


What does surprise me is the amount of time she spends off the eggs.
I understand she needs to eat but she leaves the nest several times during the day, though admittedly only for 5-10 mins at a time.
I guess it must be boring sitting looking at 4 walls for hours #lockdown